When They Say Kid Rock Is Beneath the Dignity of the Senate, Show Them These Photos of Al Franken

Ardent GOP supporter Kid Rock has confirmed that he is seriously considering running for Senate in Michigan.

While the rap/rock star certainly has a nontraditional political background, his campaign website, yard signs and first policy statement seem to be resonating with the people of Michigan. Rock is beginning to behave like a real candidate.

The prospect of a Senator Kid Rock has thrown Democratic leadership in the Senate into a frenzy. Rock's potential Democratic rival, Debbie Stabenow, tweeted this really sad joke after Rock's initial flirtation with a run.

Last week, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) both sent emails to their supporters and donors warning of a potential Senator Rock. In an ominous email, Warren declares Rock the new Donald Trump:

I know a lot of people are thinking: this is some sort of joke, right? Well, maybe this is all a joke — but we all thought Donald Trump was joking when he rode down the escalator at Trump Tower and announced his campaign, too. And sure, maybe this is just a marketing gimmick for a new album or tour — but we all thought Donald Trump was just promoting his reality TV show, too.

Schumer scolded that Rock seeking the Senate seat was not “funny.”

Kid Rock — yes, Kid Rock — tweeted that he's running for Senate in Michigan. He even launched a Senate website operated by a record label. So, I'll be honest, we don't know if this is real, a joke, or a bizarre publicity stunt. But I'll tell you this: I don't find it funny.

The term “funny” is appropriately used here by the leader of the Democratic Senate caucus, since Schumer knows full well about bringing more comedy to the old, storied halls of the U.S. Senate.

Schumer was a vocal supporter of comedian, provocateur and current Sen. Al Franken (D-MN). Franken, who was a writer and comedian on “Saturday Night Live” for years, became a U.S. senator in 2008 in spite of some very sordid professional activity in his career as an entertainer.

What kind of activity you ask?

*** THIS IS YOUR TRIGGER WARNING ***

Franken personally participated in and wrote sketches on “SNL” that are shocking and offensive.

Franken, smiling alongside a socialist.

Franken, cavorting with someone under federal investigation.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

Franken, colluding with Russia?

Lawrence Lucier/Getty Images

Yet in spite of all this, who got to become a U.S. senator?

Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Wow.

I suppose the moral of the story, especially in an America where Donald Trump is president, is that Americans want what they want. One party's clown is another party's champion. So whether Kid Rock runs or not is really up to the people of Michigan.

Also of note, the Michigan seat is one that Democrats can ill afford to lose as the 2018 midterm election nears. Democrats must defend 23 Senate seats, many of which are seen as vulnerable Republican pickups in states that Trump won. So Democrats better get a sense of humor, fast.

This is a commentary piece. The views expressed in this article are those of just the author.